can be disqualified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be disqualified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is at risk of being excluded or deemed ineligible for a competition, position, or consideration. Example: "If the contestant fails to follow the rules, they can be disqualified from the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

If you offer unwanted information, you can be disqualified.

The New York Times

And those with records of a criminal felony or two misdemeanors can be disqualified.

The New York Times

A building with a large number of investor-owned apartments or renters can be disqualified.

The New York Times

Under international rules, an entire relay team can be disqualified because of the doping of one member, even an alternate.

The New York Times - Sports

But Kenneth Lawson, associate director of the Hawaii Innocence Project, noted that someone who considers the death penalty immoral can be disqualified from serving on the jury.

The Guardian

Under state law, petitions and signatures can be disqualified for technical reasons, and candidates can appear on the ballot in some districts and not others.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Even a likelihood of developing a problem in the future can be disqualifying.

The Economist

If the F.B.I. becomes aware that someone has lied on the form or omitted responsive information, it can be disqualifying.

The New York Times

They've been in the public eye, so we think we know them, or the people in Washington think they know all about them, and then boom, they have to go through this insane vetting process and you maybe learn some thing that is small is the scheme of things but can be disqualifying.

Huffington Post

However, potential electors can also be disqualified if it is found they actively support another party.

The Guardian

Having been convicted of what Texas law defines as a crime of "moral turpitude," they can now be disqualified or restricted in practicing dozens of professions that range from doctor to bus driver, and in several states they are considered sex offenders and would have to register with the police.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about formal rules or regulations, use the phrase "can be disqualified" to maintain a neutral and objective tone. Avoid overly emotive language that might imply bias or unfairness.

Common error

Avoid using "can be disqualified" without specifying the reasons or conditions for disqualification. A vague statement lacks clarity and can lead to confusion or disputes. Always clearly state the specific criteria that would result in disqualification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be disqualified" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of the action of disqualification. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase denotes a potential outcome based on certain conditions or rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be disqualified" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the possibility of exclusion or ineligibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent occurrence in news, media, and formal documents underscores its broad applicability. The phrase functions as a passive construction, conveying potential consequences in a neutral tone. When using "can be disqualified", ensure the reasons or conditions for disqualification are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "may be ineligible" or "could be excluded" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be ineligible

Changes the auxiliary verb to 'may,' indicating a slightly different degree of possibility.

could be excluded

Replaces "disqualified" with "excluded", focusing on the act of being removed.

might be ruled out

Substitutes "disqualified" with "ruled out", suggesting a decision-making process.

is subject to disqualification

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, emphasizing the condition of being subject to disqualification.

risk being disqualified

Highlights the risk or possibility of facing disqualification.

are liable to be disqualified

Indicates a stronger likelihood or legal susceptibility to disqualification.

are at risk of disqualification

Similar to 'risk being disqualified' but emphasizes the state of being at risk.

are subject to exclusion

Focuses on exclusion as the consequence, rather than disqualification.

face disqualification

Highlights the act of confronting or dealing with the potential for disqualification.

are not eligible

Simplifies the phrase to a direct statement of ineligibility.

FAQs

How can I use "can be disqualified" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be disqualified" indicates that someone or something is at risk of being excluded or deemed ineligible. For example, "If the contestant fails to follow the rules, they "can be disqualified" from the competition."

What can I say instead of "can be disqualified"?

You can use alternatives like "may be ineligible", "could be excluded", or "might be ruled out" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be disqualified" or "could be disqualified"?

Both "can be disqualified" and "could be disqualified" are grammatically correct. "Can" implies a possibility based on established rules or criteria, while "could" suggests a conditional possibility. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "can be disqualified" and "will be disqualified"?

"Can be disqualified" indicates a possibility, whereas "will be disqualified" implies a certainty. Use "can" when outlining potential consequences and "will" when stating a definite outcome based on a specific action or violation.